tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32870442103213305712018-03-05T16:45:01.594-06:00KwanniesGeraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-44729733749240240692017-04-16T08:16:00.000-05:002017-04-16T08:16:05.275-05:00How to store vinyl rollsI've dabbled into the world of decal for a few years. &nbsp;It was a hobby and the thrill of seeing my kids and friends loving what I made for them was just fulfilling. &nbsp;I realize early on that buying them &nbsp;by sheets as just not economical especially when I wasn't making a dime. &nbsp;And then started the problem of storage. &nbsp;I kept them in bins and having to open boxes to find them was getting a bit of a nuisance.<br /><br />As a frugal person, &nbsp;I didn't want to spend $500 on a rack system, and finally realize, reuse wood!!! &nbsp;Gilly had outgrown her old bedroom deco and I made her a headboard looking like a picket fence.. &nbsp;I gave hubby the idea I had brewing ... and he finally made it right. <br /><br />Remember, always center the base before adding a lazy susan so that the tower will not be leaning tower of Kwannies.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KE6Y0-nYPCg/WPNuHIUbnpI/AAAAAAABUkM/dyeEoPeHq2MngbGkZpyk4P1pK_nYqK3GgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KE6Y0-nYPCg/WPNuHIUbnpI/AAAAAAABUkM/dyeEoPeHq2MngbGkZpyk4P1pK_nYqK3GgCLcB/s320/IMG_8577.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-47005770436566385952016-08-16T10:35:00.001-05:002016-08-16T10:35:29.942-05:00Journey of a Malaysian with a bunch of strangers fighting an incompetent school board and administrationNever in a million years I would have imagine myself fighting a school board of educators because they closed my daughter's school. &nbsp;August 13, 2016 they announced they were closing my daughter's school. &nbsp;By then, &nbsp;I met up with a few parents to just discuss what we as parents could do. &nbsp;We were all pissed. &nbsp;Why? &nbsp;It's an 8 year old building that opened its doors in 2008 and it cost $100 Million to built.<br /><br />I remember asking myself, I'm just a housewife who hasn't worked since 2000. &nbsp;What can I contribute to this group. They were CPAs, lawyers, project managers, teachers, financial analyst.. everyone was welcome to join the group. &nbsp;Our meetings kept getting more regular and we had to find different venues for our meetings as we were just a "random" group. <br /><br />Finally one day, we became a PAC and could finally secure a public building. &nbsp;I sat in our meetings trying to understand the issues and numbers. &nbsp;I felt intimidated by a lot of the people in there. &nbsp;I was also at the same time in awe of this group. &nbsp;I called a few of them pit bulls. &nbsp;Not because of they were vicious but persistant. &nbsp;Finally the word I realize I should use is PERSEVERE. &nbsp;Nothing made them feel defeated. &nbsp;Any obstacles especially our numerous FOIA denial, &nbsp;you would think this group would give up. &nbsp;No, our "head" said "its ok, &nbsp;it shows a trend" and its fine. &nbsp;I've also foia-ed 2 other school district similar to ours. Let's see how fast we get from them and we have a good comparison." &nbsp;I was blown away and realize, if it was me, I would have given up.<br /><br />Over the months, &nbsp;we learnt to keep investigating and analyzing data or information we could get from our FOIAs. &nbsp;Calls were made ISBE, media, States Attorney. The group was an organized mess as everyone of us just stepped in where we could. &nbsp;Nobody had a specific job, we did what we all could. &nbsp;Some jobs were more obvious than others. &nbsp;I still felt a bit like a weight as I didn't think I could contribute but I knew enough to walk around the neighborhood and talk school with neighbors.<br /><br />To Be Continued....<br /><br /><br />Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-41052896297052473782015-09-15T16:49:00.000-05:002015-09-15T16:49:10.164-05:00Secrets of Crafting and Cooking from a Stay At Home MomI am a stay at home mom. &nbsp;I cook, clean, drive and do lots of other things that some days I ask myself "what the heck did I do today because I can't account for it."<br /><br />I do all this because I choose to put my hubby and kids first. I gave up an IT career for it and some days look back and realize, that boat has floated off. &nbsp;What I knew then is Dinosaur now. <br /><br />I am crafty, super crafty if I must say. &nbsp;Is it survival? &nbsp;Maybe. &nbsp;When you are relying on 1 income just from hubby slogging, &nbsp;we have no choice but to be resourceful. Over the past 15 years, I've learnt to cook, clean, build furniture, plumbing, and even electrical. &nbsp;I've learnt to take photos, knit, sew, and now I've ventured into the world of vinyl. <br /><br />I spent hours reseaching on things as I can't afford to pay someone to teach me nor can afford to hire contractors. &nbsp;Youtube and GOOGLE has been my best friend.<br /><br />So what is my pet peeve.... friends that will just come ask me for my delicious recipes or supplies to my craft world. &nbsp;Am I selfish? &nbsp;It depends on how one sees it. <br /><br />I don't see it as selfish. &nbsp;Hey, you are working and making an income, getting a monthly paycheck, maybe a bonus at the end of the year and promotions. &nbsp;I on the other hand don't, &nbsp;the times you are at work, &nbsp;I'm scrubbing toilets and trying out recipes. &nbsp;Some recipes, &nbsp;I will make it 3 times in a week just because I want to improve it to my liking. &nbsp;By the time you are putting that delicious food into your mouth. &nbsp;I would have spend hours online looking for something I may like, hours cooking and recooking and recooking again... to perfect the recipe to my liking. &nbsp;Its TIME that I had to spent. &nbsp;Time that is also precious to me, just because I dont' work, doesn't mean I have all the time in the world that you can just think its ok to ask for recipe and that I"m horrible for not giving it to you. <br /><br />I make beautiful gifts by decorating them with vinyl. &nbsp;Some I give away and some people will pay. &nbsp;What I make, doesn't even pay for my daughter's pointe shoes. Those designs don't just pop out of my head. &nbsp;I look around for ideas and create something to my taste or to the taste or personality of the gift receiver. &nbsp;I bought machines, tried it and wasted monies on it until I realize which machine is good for me. &nbsp;Softwares and learning how to use it, I spend hundreds of hours learning it. All you need to do is YOUTUBE and GOOGLE. &nbsp;You can learn the same hard way as me. &nbsp;My supplies, what the heck would you want to ask me. &nbsp;You know how many times I got burnt by suppliers with bad product and bad service. &nbsp;And you just want my suppliers' names. &nbsp;COME ON.... you don't even call me out for lunch or dinner or even movies but you dare to message me for information. &nbsp;I may be nice but I'm not that gullible. &nbsp;If you think what I do is nothing, and I can just give you all my goodies, &nbsp;you will have to learn that what I've been doing is not that easy.<br /><br />The stay at home mom's times are also precious and PRICELESS. &nbsp;Please have some respect for it. &nbsp;Like how I respect how you have to work, come home and still have to run your household. &nbsp;That is why I never impose anything on you. &nbsp;All I may ask is a phone call to chat or hang out once in awhile. &nbsp;But I know everyone is super busy and therefore I totally get it. &nbsp;I have also learnt that busy can be one damn convenient excuse. <br /><br />Therefore what is the secret? In today's world, &nbsp;all one has to do is google and youtube. &nbsp;Asking a friend may work if she is generous but make sure you just don't call when you need something. &nbsp;Then all you are is just a USER !!!Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-41683281574442371892014-04-16T12:36:00.001-05:002014-04-16T12:36:23.024-05:0014 and growingGillian is now in her final months of 8th grade. &nbsp;She will be off to high school in a 4 months. &nbsp;I usually don't brag about her but she has surprised me quite a bit this few weeks.<br /><br />She got into all honors last year and has managed to get mostly As except for Spanish. &nbsp;The least of my worries. &nbsp;Workload this year was brutal. &nbsp;Tonne of homework and projects, with Nutcracker, she proved she could do both dance and school work. &nbsp;We would rush downtown for her rehearsals at 5pm, come home about 10pm, in between, she would squeeze time to finish her homework. &nbsp;She would even stay up till midnight to get her work done. &nbsp;She proved she was dedicated and hardworking. She knows how to ask for extensions when she needed and oh gosh, even facetime her math teacher for help.<br /><br />The music department had a trip go watch the high school musical. &nbsp;She didn't want to go, I didn't ask why. &nbsp;At hot lunch, where I volunteered, moms' were surprised when I told them Gilly didn't go. Most of them said their kids would find any excuse to get out of class. &nbsp;I mulled over their reaction, worried that something was wrong with my child or something happened to my child. &nbsp;I finally asked her why because everyone liked the musical. &nbsp;She then told me if she went for the show, she would miss on science and math and no matter what, she still had to complete the homework and how could she do it if she missed the class. &nbsp;I was shocked. &nbsp;I didn't expect this from her. &nbsp;It made sense and another "Mommy Ah Ha" momemt.<br /><br />Last week, &nbsp;I totally forgot that there was a mandatory parent meeting for High school Poms. &nbsp;That meant she would not get a chance to try out for Poms. &nbsp;I felt bad, but I didn't realize until a few days ago that she knew about the meeting and she didn't tell me. She decided on her own that she wants to concentrate on her studies for freshman year. &nbsp;She knew with almost all honor classes next year, her hands will be full as she still has her dance. I was surprise by her maturity and sensibility. &nbsp;Didn't expect that from her. Worse part, her friends got into JV and they told her if she had tried out, she most probably would have gotten into Varsity because of her advance dance skills.<br /><br />And last week, there was abit of drama in school for her. &nbsp;She got called in to see a social worker. &nbsp;It was some things that some boys did to the point they were suspended from school for almost a week. Someone asked if she snitched on them, she said "no". &nbsp;I realize that her survival instinct is there. She knows right from wrong and when to say or not to say somethings. I asked her how she felt, she said she didn't want the boys in trouble but she didn't want to lie and what they did was disrespectful to girls.<br /><br />All in all, she just blew me away. &nbsp;I didn't expect this from her. &nbsp;I guess she is growing and I'm getting old. &nbsp;I think I'll take her to go buy some hair accessories just to give her a nice treat.<br /><br />Have a great day folks. &nbsp;Hormonal daughters can still surprise us mummies.Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-86628263806584602572014-01-29T09:47:00.000-06:002014-04-16T12:18:09.171-05:00Dance drama and friendshipGilly was in competitive dance 3 years ago, due to her irresponsibility, &nbsp;I pulled her out of the team. &nbsp;She missed it especially her friends. As a mom, it was a hard decision to make but a year later, I realize that was the best decision I made. She became more responsible and even her grades improved and she made it to all honor classes.<br /><br />Last July, we had to decide if she should join the competition team. After much mulling and friend's persuasion. &nbsp;We are back in competitive dance.<br /><br />Fast forward to Jan 14. &nbsp;We were blindsided by our friends. &nbsp;I knew they were not happy with the dance studio and a few teachers but I didn't know they would just drop out of the dance studio and competitive team. &nbsp;It was not just the announcement from the teacher instead of our "friends" but the results of it. &nbsp;Some dances were cancelled, some from a quartet to a trio, with change in song since you can't have 3 girls dancing a 4 brother dance, so they had go back and tweak another routine for these 3 girls who had no part in this decision.<br /><br />When we came home from the team meeting, that is where I learnt, I was lied to, the mom told me they were taking a break but actually they had been scouting around for other dance studios. &nbsp;Even asked a few other girls if they wanted to switch studios. &nbsp;Thank God they didn't because its easier to manage a 2 short than 3 or 4 short of dancer choreography.<br /><br />Then comes the heartbreaking statement from my girl. The whole summer she had a blast of a time with these girls. &nbsp;Now she realize they didn't care much for her. &nbsp;They didn't come watch her dance at the Nutcracker but went to another studio to watch the Christmas program. &nbsp;I said, what are you going to do this summer? She said "I'll be the lone ranger, I'll get used to it." &nbsp;Broke my heart but its ok, I will find ways to entertain her during summer. She certainly has learnt what types of friends are there in this world. &nbsp;No more innocence for this 13 year old.<br /><br />Just my two cents into motherhood and growing up with friends.<br /><br />Update: &nbsp;A few weeks after this post, I found out that one parent had told the teacher that my girl, who is no saint, was one of the girls that were mean to her daughter. &nbsp;Now this is what I don't get, if my child is that mean and caused your daughter emotional trauma, then why the heck is your daughter facetime-ing my child 4 times. &nbsp;Yes, 4 times !!!! This is where Gilly got confused. &nbsp;Makes no sense except, they just blatantly used my child as an excuse to get out of their commitments.Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-77908351408442893222013-12-24T08:01:00.002-06:002013-12-27T20:23:59.937-06:00Daughter's Life LessonsGillian has been given the gift of dance. Watching my 4 year old prancing around clumsily turning into a graceful ballerina has been a beautiful journey. I sometimes kick myself as I can't believe how graceful she is and that she has that "package", i.e the hands and head gracefulness. &nbsp;Will she one day be a professional, I don't know. I am still wondering and praying what will her path be.<br /><br />Her recent stint with Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker has been an eye opener for this 13 year old. &nbsp;Both dancewise and personalwise.<br /><br />A girl in the opposite cast who would be her alternate and v.v, had injured her shin, when we found out we had to do 2 performance a day, Gillian learnt what this meant to a dancer in the performing world. &nbsp;Her teachers were high five-ing her, but this 13 y/o who is naive and innocent wondered why, here she was "huh, my friend is injured, why are you giving me a high five". &nbsp;Only then did she learn that to a performer, if someone is injured, you get to dance more!<br /><br />Being older and in junior high, she learnt how important it was to juggle homework and dance rehearsals and performance. &nbsp;Some nights, she was forced to do homework until 12.30 am. &nbsp;Walking tired, sitting for test and then driving 45 into Chicago at 4.30 to perform and hit the road back at 9.30 to again complete homework assignments. &nbsp;You think she won't do this again, NO NO, she wants to do it again next year.<br /><br />Another eye opening thing for her, is the people that supports her and comes watch her dance. &nbsp;She understands that the tickets are expensive and her time on stage as a children's cast is not much. &nbsp;But she is only human and to know that her relatives didn't come watch her this year, still stings. &nbsp;She was over the moon when a few friends from Church came to watch and proud when her dance teacher, Mrs King came with her daughter. &nbsp;A few weeks ago, she did ask me why we go watch her dance friends when they perform. She is 13 and starting to not tell me everything, but I suspect its because none of her dance friends have plans to watch her nor have watched her. <br /><br />As much as you want to cushion her from any negative thoughts and feelings, we can't. I'm trying to teach her that with friends and family comes ups and downs. &nbsp;Telling her that this doesn't matter because what is important is that she got to dance with the professional dancers and she got to make new friends with other children cast. Trying to tell her that we have to let this wash over us and not be too sensitive. &nbsp;What I want is a happy, easy going child. &nbsp;Its her path that she has to walk and I as a mom watch her walk and hopefully catch her if she falls.<br /><br />Maybe the subject is wrong, its also a mom's journey of watching her daughter's life lesson.Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-4231908689217593062013-09-20T13:47:00.002-05:002013-09-20T13:47:51.007-05:0044 and number is going up up upOur lives are always changing, friends come and go but we are still always there for ourselves. &nbsp;I turned 44 this May and its very telling that I'm no more in my 20s or 30s. &nbsp;My eyes, my weak eyes that was always blind without glasses or contacts are now needs "old lady" glasses. &nbsp;Put on more weight than I like, body does tell me that I need to do something.<br /><br />Kids growing up infront of my eyes slowly but steadily. &nbsp;You don't notice it daily but when you happen to see a photo of your little baby boy or girl, and now you see them getting their hormonal mood swings. &nbsp;You know you are getting up there in the number factor.<br /><br />No matter how, &nbsp;I treasure all the crazy moments and boring moments. &nbsp;They are precious and never should be taken for granted. All I want to do is be a good mom. &nbsp;Having kids who are respectful, hardworking, God fearing (reverance), &nbsp;beautiful in and out, and most of all HAPPY. &nbsp;In a few years time (you can use one hand to count), Gilly will be heading for college(I hope), The house dynamics will be forever changed... its scary to think how my family life will be different but all in stride. &nbsp;Faith, is all we have. Faith that all will be well. <br /><br />Well, that's all for me today. &nbsp;My oh so neglected blog...Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-3589857148604631702012-12-19T09:14:00.001-06:002012-12-19T09:14:29.321-06:00Gillian the Snow Tree Angel <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas is less than a week away. &nbsp;I finally bought my kids a few miserable gifts. &nbsp;I'm usually a scrooge when it comes to Christmas presents as I am a parent that buys things for kids whenever they need it through the year. &nbsp;I know some will keep it for Christmas. &nbsp;However this year, &nbsp;I've not had time to be a Scrooge. &nbsp;I've just been busy driving my Gillian to downtown Chicago every weekend and now we have been driving her downtown every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays. &nbsp;This week will be worse as it will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. &nbsp;Lots of mileage on my old Town and Country. &nbsp;She only gets Christmas day off....&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Off from what??? &nbsp;She is the Snow Tree Angel for the Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker's Children Cast. &nbsp;She is enjoying her stint with Joffrey. &nbsp;Watching the company dancers dance have further motivated her to dance more. &nbsp;If you are wondering if she is paid, &nbsp;NO and you wonder why we are doing it. &nbsp;Because she loves to dance and to dance with Joffrey's Nutcracker is a once in a lifetime opportunity. &nbsp;She hopes to go back next year. &nbsp;Shoot myself for letting her do it, with missing a few days of school but I figured if I can use this to motivate her to do well in school, why not. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I'm proud of my not-so-little girl, see how she has florished over this year.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep a lookout for her if you happen to watch it in Chicago. &nbsp;6 more shows to go...... 6 more french braids to go for me. &nbsp;Yes, I was forced to learn from Youtube on how to do a french braid but I"m getting better. &nbsp;From 45 minutes to 20 minutes... yahoo!!!!</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5decxDw3Krs/UNHZvfsJ4tI/AAAAAAAAFaM/hvpSxSOrgmY/s1600/gilly_joffrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5decxDw3Krs/UNHZvfsJ4tI/AAAAAAAAFaM/hvpSxSOrgmY/s320/gilly_joffrey.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-6861643324354266362012-10-25T09:45:00.002-05:002012-10-25T13:45:07.595-05:00Quarkie Earphones Review <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've had my iphone for 3 years and you would think that with my love for music, I would have uploaded tonnes of musics to my device. &nbsp;Nah!!!! Growing up with the luxury of high end stereos, &nbsp;not many headphones can compare to what I was used to. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I've added another tasks, adding songs to my iphone. &nbsp;All because of this impressive earphones. Esthetic-wise, &nbsp;it looked totally different from other earphones that I've seen. &nbsp;It looks bulky and clumsy at first glance. &nbsp;I have the gemstone which looks beautiful but some says it looks gothic. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.quarkie.com/">Quarkie</a> website has 6 different designs. &nbsp;After wearing these earphones for couple of months, &nbsp;I know that this is a topic starter even with strangers.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnMvmDA8EPk/UIlPul4J9EI/AAAAAAAAFZw/8ghNz0S8bWk/s1600/253_Purple_Gem_Angle_bg_HP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnMvmDA8EPk/UIlPul4J9EI/AAAAAAAAFZw/8ghNz0S8bWk/s200/253_Purple_Gem_Angle_bg_HP.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now comes the fit of these earphones. &nbsp;I've tried jogging and cycling with it and it has not once fallen off my ears. Gilly, my ballerina even dances with it. It comes with 4 different sizes ear tips for a perfect fit on your ears. &nbsp;Want to shut out all the sceams and fights of your kids? &nbsp;hahaha.. perfect device as its noise isolation. &nbsp;I've even sat in my kids dance classes and with 2 stereos blasting different songs, &nbsp;it can drive one NUTS..., and now I just plug those wonderful earphones and ah..... Louis Armstrong's voice gives me peace!!! &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One important warning !!!! &nbsp;While driving, DO NOT HAVE BOTH EARPHONES PLUGGED IN. &nbsp;HARZARDOUS !!!! &nbsp;(This is how efficient its noise isolation feature is) &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFZno63F5Vs/UIlP5dXr92I/AAAAAAAAFZ4/ysmNhQ5Of4o/s1600/243_Purple_Gem_Right_View_bg_PP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EFZno63F5Vs/UIlP5dXr92I/AAAAAAAAFZ4/ysmNhQ5Of4o/s200/243_Purple_Gem_Right_View_bg_PP.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now comes the mindblowing part... &nbsp;I wondered how earphones is compared to other earphones... &nbsp;2 seconds after wearing it, &nbsp;I was so impressed. &nbsp;How did this maker manage to squeeze the rich and fine sound quality into this tiny device. &nbsp;Friends asks me how good was this device as they heard me talk about it. Only thing I could say, you need to hear it to know what I'm talking about. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like its website says, &nbsp;"high sensitivity, low distortion and amazing bass performance". &nbsp;I totally agree. Gilly was so impressed with her new earphones when she could hear sound of horses. &nbsp;She came running and told "mummy, I've listen to this song for so long and I never heard horses at the background until this earphones."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also receive telephone calls with this. &nbsp;While you are listening to your songs, it will automatically pause and let you receive your calls and continue when you end your phone conversation.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are scratching your head trying to figure what to buy your loved ones for Christmas... This may be the perfect gift. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Disclaimer: &nbsp;I received this earphones at no cost. &nbsp;But would not recommend a product if its not upto my standards.&nbsp;</span></div><div><br /></div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-81250854637120908402012-10-10T09:14:00.000-05:002012-10-10T09:14:09.737-05:00Absences....<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow!! &nbsp;New Interface on blogger, and I only discovered it now. &nbsp;Yes, &nbsp;I've been slow in this area. &nbsp;I have to say this but it was just easier to post photos on facebook and commenting than to blog. &nbsp;A week ago, &nbsp;looking at my blog, it tickled me pink to see a series of photos of Greg crying and reading what had happened. &nbsp;It brought back old memories and reminded me why I had started blogging. &nbsp;So here I am trying to get into my blog to find there is a new interface. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've just been busy with the kids. &nbsp;Gilly is now 12 and I'm getting my warning signs of how life will be when she is a teenager, &nbsp;I will be running to Sally Beauty Supply more frequently to get my hair color! &nbsp;She is turning out to be a gorgeous girl, &nbsp;I know I'm being biase but heck, &nbsp;have to be proud of what I carried in my for 9 months. &nbsp;Her love for ballet has deeped and she is a graceful dancer. &nbsp;Promise to blog about her dance in a couple of months. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greg is still momma's boy that is witty, naughty, sweet and boyish all combine. &nbsp;He keeps me on my toes as he loves to irritate his sister and knows what buttons to press to get her in trouble with me. &nbsp;He still loves building with his toys but now his room is always a mess. &nbsp;He was always the one that had the clean room as he would clean his room. &nbsp;Roles have reversed! &nbsp;He still dances tap and likes the limelight on stage. &nbsp;He does have the stage personality and we get the kick just watching him perform. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I on the other hand have been playing with tools. &nbsp;Yes, tools.., table saw, miter saw... etc &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I even got hubby hooked. &nbsp;We have built accent table and a bed for Gilly. &nbsp;Best part, &nbsp;we learn as a couple to work on a project with not so much fights. &nbsp;Yes, we are still married !!! hahaha... &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a quick summary of what is going on with the kwannies... I promise to blog more and do come back for more....&nbsp;</span>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-18432287580961465512012-03-13T09:49:00.002-05:002012-03-13T10:01:37.462-05:00In the End, All that matters is .....<span >my hubby</span><div><span >my son </span></div><div><span >my daughter</span></div><div><span >and I</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >This is all I've learnt. </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Phones ringing, me answering. </span></div><div><span >Blah Blah Blah for hours...</span></div><div><span >Knowing all the blah blah blah will help make the other person feel better.</span></div><div><span >Knowing it takes an emotional toll myself plus hours of productive time gone.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Off you go, after loading on me, you feel better....</span></div><div><span >I'm rushing like crazy to catch up with things I put on hold for your calls...</span></div><div><span >Wishing I could finish my latest project and imagining it all done.. but its just an imaginary ..</span></div><div><span >All for your depositing on me.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Did I get a Ph.D on psychology? NO... but I sure did a good job of being one</span></div><div><span >One quacky Dr I've become but hey... no charge on you. Deposit all you want..</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >One time I would like you to pay attention to me or my family </span></div><div><span >What do I get? Excuses excuses excuses.... </span></div><div><span >Nothing but excuses or silence..... Gas is too expensive, gotta drive all the way there... </span></div><div><span >How about all the times I've spent listening to your problems? </span></div><div><span >All I see is Selfishness, Ignorance and Arrogance.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Blah, blah, blah and sob, sob, sob... </span></div><div><span >I'm always invited to these type of parties.</span></div><div><span >How about an invitation to a fun filled, laughing party when you host one at your house? </span></div><div><span >Nah, Kwannies, you are not good enough for those... </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Kwannies, I just need you when I am down and out. </span></div><div><span >You are not family, you are just my unloader.</span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >These are friends and family that comes in my life....</span></div><div><span >Either I shut up and be the nice, generous person</span></div><div><span >Or be the bitch and stand up for myself....</span></div><div><span >Now, its just gonna be me, hubby and 2 kiddos... </span></div><div><span ><br /></span></div><div><span >Talk to my hand!!!</span></div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-78148611862385546842011-12-25T08:45:00.000-06:002011-12-25T09:40:57.966-06:00Merry Christmas !!!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozzePGXz64w/TvdEBNcg5kI/AAAAAAAAA-o/kfepR7Lz2OI/s1600/xmas2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozzePGXz64w/TvdEBNcg5kI/AAAAAAAAA-o/kfepR7Lz2OI/s320/xmas2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690091441785726530" /></a>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-47929725618137953922011-10-28T12:36:00.000-05:002011-12-08T08:36:32.626-06:00Lazy mama homemade pasta sauce<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Verdana; color:black">I've always loved making spaghetti during winter, don't know why but its just easy cooking. A few years ago, a friend taught me how to make homemade pasta sauce as I always plant a few bushes of tomato plants. My all time favorite tomatoes are the celebrity. Prior to making pasta sauce, I would give away extra tomatoes as there is only how much tomato a person can eat at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">I thought making pasta sauce would be a big task as I googled it once and saw how much work was put into it. Here is the easy version that I've learnt. If you have someone that can't digest tomato seeds, you may not want to use this method.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">1) Remove tomato skin:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">In a big pot of boiling water, submerge tomatoes, about 30-45 seconds, you will see skin rolling. Remove from hot water and submerge into cold water. That will help cool tomato and you can remove the skin. Place tomatoes in a colander. You will notice the tomato will be slowing ozzing water out. Repeat removing skin of all tomatoes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">2) If you want, you can dice the tomato and remove the seeds but still leave it in the colander. You bascially don't want all the juice/water in the tomato. I'm lazy so I skip this step.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">3) In a big pot,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">I sautee diced red onions and minced garlic in lots of olive oil.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">Then add the tomatoes. Here with my lazy method, I just use my hand and crush the tomatoes into the pot.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">Add basil ,italian herbs(my miracle: I buy the tube of italian herbs in the herb section at the grocery store), salt, sugar and black pepper and bay leaf.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">After letting the tomatoes cook for awhile, I will use a potato masher to mash the tomatoes as I do not want my sauce to be chunky. You don't really need to mash too much as the tomatoes will breakdown when they get cooked<br />Add 1-2 cans of tomato paste (depend on how thick or runny you like your sauce).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">Let the sauce simmer until most of the water/juice is gone<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">4) Storage:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">I do not can. I just bag 2 1/2 cups of sauce into 1 ziploc bag. Lay the bags flat and freeze them individually. Once all bags are frozen, I just pack them up in the freezer. You can bag the sauce according to your family usage. 2 1/2 cups works fine for my family of 4 with abit of leftover for the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">If you notice, I've not give any measurements, do not worry, this sauce is very forgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">My kids love when I add sauteed mushrooms and meatball to this sauce. I usually will cook them in a slow cooker for 4 hrs and the flavors of the mushroom and meatball makes this sauce even tastier. I do add a can of tomato paste to the sauce when I'm preparing my spaghetti meal as my kids like their sauce thick.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:black">Good luck trying<o:p></o:p></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kL_E2c3INno/TqrtbN-QYrI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/J1mP5Z7d79Q/s1600/US-organic-tube-italian-herbs-lge.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kL_E2c3INno/TqrtbN-QYrI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/J1mP5Z7d79Q/s320/US-organic-tube-italian-herbs-lge.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668604132862223026" /></a><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Verdana; color:black">Note: I wasn't solicited by any business to promote the Italian Herbs. I had to go buy this item myself. I always use this when I make this sauce.</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana"><o:p></o:p></span></p></span>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-261695203345974122011-04-30T07:37:00.000-05:002011-04-30T07:38:47.847-05:00Happy Birthday Baby!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" >Happy Birthday my baby.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >You would be 4 today.</span></div><div><br /></div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-48842681867499908612011-01-10T07:40:00.000-06:002011-01-10T07:49:50.989-06:00Hair Clips with legs<span class="Apple-style-span" ><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:13.5pt; font-family:&quot;Comic Sans MS&quot;;color:black">My dad used to claim "things in my house has legs".</span></span><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family: &quot;Comic Sans MS&quot;;color:black"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">In recent months, I too have notice that things in my house has legs especially my hair clips. Yesterday, I had my haircut and since I can't tie my hair, I would need to clip my front. There I go to my drawer to get me one, and there were NONE. I asked Gilly if she took my clip and with conviction, she said "NO, I didn't touch them". Now, that started to irritate my early morning. I told her she better start hunting for my clips or she would be in trouble. 30 minutes later, she comes down with a handsful of clips. It was apparently all over her room. Ha!!! Like I'm a 41 year old senile woman who is imagining her clips walking. She is banned from using my clips for now. Let see how long before my clips starts to sprout legs again.</span></span><span style="font-family:&quot;Comic Sans MS&quot;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></span>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-34713021728448089522011-01-05T10:39:00.000-06:002011-01-05T19:41:38.554-06:00Happy New Year !!!!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Happy New Year to you my readers the little few I still have. I had a busy 2010 doing volunteer work in school and church and that kept me from things I loved doing especially knitting. Friends and family, thanks for dropping by to see what we have been doing. 2010 was a nice year for me as we got to enjoy friends, family and we did our first major road trip all the way to Yellowstone National Park. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >The year ended even nicer as I got rid of one of my volunteer jobs and that would mean I've more time to knit plus watch TV at night. But the best part of it was knowing that I've a few precious friends in my life that I know has not taken advantage of me and our friendship. They showed me in their own ways, how they appreciated me. I lost a friend who chose to leave my port and its OK. She taught me a few things and most importantly let me discover she introduced me to a better friend. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >We had my aunt visit us twice this year and we had a blast during Christmas. It was nice to have family visit since we don't get that too much. It was sad when they left but there is always another visit again. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Kids are growing up quick and I just taught Gilly how to knit. My mom taught me how to knit a few years ago and now my daughter is learning. Maybe she will teach her daughter next time. Greg still loves to build things and maybe one day he will be my engineer or architect. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >I hope it will be a good 2011 for all of us and we will come out happier and healthier. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Happy New Year to all that has brightened my life.</span></div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-51373764795536827902010-12-24T07:06:00.001-06:002010-12-24T07:07:42.217-06:00Merry Christmas 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/TRSbEBoF4JI/AAAAAAAAA8A/GliFcbXCPnY/s1600/2010_xmascard0003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/TRSbEBoF4JI/AAAAAAAAA8A/GliFcbXCPnY/s320/2010_xmascard0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554234733913038994" /></a>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-7571749568243342612010-09-20T08:50:00.000-05:002010-10-06T09:19:12.961-05:00Call me crazy but I'm so looking forward to next summer already<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">Its been more than a month since the kids have gone back to school. There has been more changes in our household. More than I can chew... I think. Gilly moved to an intermediate school and being in 5th Grade, she has not found it fun. First few weeks of school, she told me she hated 5th grade as there is so much homework. I think she is OK with the homework but not the datelines and consequences of it. Last week, I had to sign on a form that says she forgot her assignment. That was an automatic 20% deduction, and that's a C grade. After signing on that form, I had to make sure she puts it into her folder and watch her put the folder into her bag. Reason for paranoia and close monitoring... if she forgets to hand in the same assignment the 2nd day, it would be an automatic Zero or F grade. I wasn't risking that. She is always good at handing in her homework and I never had to watch her like a hawk.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are so much extra curiculum at the new school and I suggested to her to try string program. She said NO and reason was boring. Next, how about trying the band? No, band teacher is mean. I sighed and told her.. "I can't stand the mean label you keep giving to teachers." I asked her "When I have 5 kids in the house, am I not strict? The band teacher has to deal with a band full of 100 kids, don't you think he needs to be strict?" I've learn that when kids says teacher is mean, they actually mean the teacher is strict. I finally got her to agree to try the instruments in the band. Even then, I had to physically push her towards a kid that was demonstrating a particular instrument. She finally tried the flute and loved it. All of a sudden (roll eye moment for me) she loves the flute so much that it was all her idea to try the band and flute. Remember the Nancy Drew moment I had with her... exactly the same scenario.... Gosh, I can't imagine how she is going to be when she is officially a teenager.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Greg has now joined boy scouts and is loving it. We are officially chinese rednecks this year.. we tried the rodeo and demolition derby. Back to Greg, he has started tap as well, at 2 weddings and our trip to the west, I notice how he is a wild John Travolta and asked if he wanted tap lessons. He jumped at my offer and is now enjoying his tap classes. Yes he only does tap, no ballet... so guys out there laughing at my boy.. he is braver than any 6 foot man. He is my easy child for now, he does his homework with less guidance, sometimes I feel like he is the older child as he doesn't need me to be watching him all the time... but kids change so we never know what will hit us in future.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Update: My daughter has since forgotten to bring her homework or textbooks home twice and after me going berserk on her, she is trying her best and isn't letting one particular girl distract her during packing minutes. She told me last night that she told the girl to not talk to her until her bags are packed. Apparently the girl left her alone.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I know I've got my handsful this school year, plus now having to deal with a pre-teen who is spending alot of time grooming herself before school. Its turning out to be a challenging year. I need to learn to letgo abit and let my pre-teen learn to walk on her own and yet at the same time guide her to making good decisions. I need to learn that she is becoming a lady of her own and she isn't my 2 year old for whom I decide everything. I do not what her to shut me off because she needs to know Mummy is one TO GO person when she is in trouble. I'm in for a rollercoaster year.... so summer please come quick!!!</span></span></div></span>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-14202022031397630032010-08-19T20:40:00.000-05:002010-08-19T20:56:04.485-05:00Start of New School Year<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Summer holidays are over, the kids are back to school again after almost 12 weeks of no school and homework. We had a nice summer lazing around the house and having an awesome roadtrip. But it was just time for them to go back to structured textbook learning. So, here are my kids getting on their schoolbus. I hit a milestone moment today, my Gilly told me not to take photo of her getting on her bus. I was surprise as I didn't expect that from her but I guess she is growing up (she is a 5th grader). I was the only parent at that stop that had a camera... heck the other mom was sitting on her chair and didn't even walk her girls cross the street to the bus stop. </span><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/TG3eQpMHHMI/AAAAAAAAA68/V23jyiCapg4/s1600/gilly_sch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/TG3eQpMHHMI/AAAAAAAAA68/V23jyiCapg4/s320/gilly_sch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507302296859909314" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Gilly going to school</span></span></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Greg wish summer holidays are not over. He claims school is boring. He won't get to play with his toads. They both have been playing with toads as there is plenty of supply of them from my garden. I cracked up when I realize one of them was Papa Joe. They actually named those darn ugly toads. </span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Greg's school supply list for 2nd grade says he need to bring in a calculator. I gave him the same speech I did with Gilly. "Greg, you are not allowed to do your math homework in school. If I catch you doing that, I will scan your homework, deleted all your answers and print 10 copies of it and make you redo them 10 times!" Hopefully that will scare him enough to not to use that calculator on his 12 + 23 addition. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/TG3eQ9aZ0AI/AAAAAAAAA7E/xPAZqclqEUA/s1600/greg_sch.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/TG3eQ9aZ0AI/AAAAAAAAA7E/xPAZqclqEUA/s1600/greg_sch.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/TG3eQ9aZ0AI/AAAAAAAAA7E/xPAZqclqEUA/s320/greg_sch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507302302288564226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Greg off to school.</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The kids are now on different buses, Gilly has moved to intermediate school while Greg is still in the same elementary school. Gilly told me she had butterflies in her stomach before she stepped into the new building but it all turned out fine. I told her mummy flew halfway around the world to come to USA to study and I only knew a handsful of people here when I first came, so its just natural to be anxious but it will be fine. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I now have 4 hours of quiet time.... my hubby expects house to be spotless and dinner on the table when he steps in.. hahaha yeah right... dreams.... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">ciao for now....</span></div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-72596932569886978222010-08-09T12:23:00.001-05:002010-08-09T21:23:29.960-05:00Do what you do best !<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I need to say something about this world is getting to. We are too politically correct to the point its getting ridiculous. A school that has 5 or 6 valedictorians because they don't want to dissapoint any kids. No competition between classes where the winning class gets a free pizza because they don't want to hurt the feelings of the rest of the kids. Now.. how are our kids going to go out into this world to compete for jobs? How are we going to be the so called developed nation we are if our future kids are not taught to compete.<br /><br />Actors, Supermodels, Comedians, Singers... I love your talent .. but I have to say BUTT OUT OF GIVING ADVICE TO ALL OF US !!!! I rolled my eyes when I saw what Gisele said, 'I think a lot of people get pregnant and decide they can turn into garbage disposals [dustbin]'. I nearly puked when she declares that there should be a "law on breastfeeding". Yes, her life is a glamorous life and I bet she has all the nannies, personal trainers, dietician who is helping her out with her tremendous lucky life. But shut your crap. You don't need to make all the mothers in the world from feeling crappy.. just to make yourself feel good.<br /><br />Now comes my favorite actress, Jennifer Aniston, how much I like you that I stopped watching anything that has Brangelina, but today, you dissapoint me saying, kids don't need fathers. Yes they do. When they are babies, they won't cry for one.. but when they start baseball or soccer, and seeing dads out there.. they will wonder why they are missing a dad. No matter how much your male friends help you out... they are still not the baby's father.<br /><br />Those liberal celebrities.. no matter how much you hate or love your politician, shut the heck up. I don't need you to tell me how much greatness Obama is doing. My mom taught me from young, if you have $5 in your pocket, make sure you only use $1 and save the rest. Do not go borrow money from your friends cos you will need to pay it back or you have no dignity.<br /><br />You guys always grumble about the papparazzi and how they bug the heck out of you. You always say you want your privacy. Please keep your damn opinions to yourself and put your talent to where its best shines.... in your movies and songs.<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">There, I've finally said it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This is all my opinion, so if you don't like it, just click on the X button to close the window.</span></div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-1935224939222379852010-04-30T19:57:00.000-05:002010-04-30T20:03:53.166-05:00Thinking of you today my babyThinking of you today my sweet... I can imagine you enjoying this song....<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gEtuXrV_KnM&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gEtuXrV_KnM&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-88104107743270125152010-04-27T12:04:00.000-05:002010-04-27T22:33:55.294-05:00The Birds and Bees Talk to my 10 year old girl.<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana;font-size:medium;">My Gilly is will be 10 years old, my firstborn will be in the double digits in August. How a decade has passed so fast. I was talking to my girlfriend this morning about how Gilly, at 1 1/2 years old, would keep me on my toes with her energy. She would be into anything and everything without fear that every week, we would have a bruise somewhere on her face or hands and I pray DCFS doesn't come knocking on my door.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">While on spring break, I got an email from the school. It was about how the 4th graders will be attending the "Human Growth and Develpment Program". My eyes rolled, great, now I've to make sure I talk to her about the Birds and the Bees before the school does. I did buy a book and was pondering, notice the word pondering, when I should show her the book. And now I've a DATELINE. Gosh, why did they have to break it to me when I'm enjoying myself in Canada.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The school gave us a date where parents were welcome to come and have a preview of what the kids will see. Being a first time mom, I made myself go eventhough I was exhausted. It was worth it as the school nurses were there to answer our questions. They basically said it was about the body development, stressing about personal hygiene. They told us they would be as brief and truthful to the kids but would divert our children's questions back to us so we the parents would decide how much information we want to give our kids. We were told the boys and girls will be separated which is good.<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I ran to Borders last Saturday to look for a book called "What's happening to my body", which has a boy or a girl version. The lady at borders told me that the American Girl's book is a better reference, I quickly browsed through it and figured why not since Gilly reads American Girl stories. At the same time I grabbed the boy version of the "What's happening to my body" as I figured I might as well buy them now instead of running out for it in 3 years time for Greg.</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9c1r032MvI/AAAAAAAAA6A/LOdKHtt0r3A/s1600/american+girl.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9c1r032MvI/AAAAAAAAA6A/LOdKHtt0r3A/s320/american+girl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464895699880915698" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I gave the book to Gilly and told her to read it by herself. She gave me this weird look and took the book to her room. I told her to read it page to page and not to skip any pages. About 10 minutes later she came in with a "mummy, this is yucky" statement. She showed me what she meant, it was a cartoon showing the changes in the breast. I told her its not yucky and just a way of life. She can't all of a sudden have boobs popping out but slowly grow outwards. Now, was I peeing in my pants? No, but it was uncomfortable but I had to bite my tongue and the stop the urge to run, and made it as casual as I could. Later she came asking where was the uterus. Next day she came to ask if using tampons was uneasy. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My friends, this week has been a very interesting week, as I'm really on unchartered terrority. So help me God that I survive through the part where she asks me about LOVE MAKING!!!! I do have the book called "Where Did I Come From" all ready for that. </span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9c1sNfV6qI/AAAAAAAAA6I/0yHhbcX6pEE/s1600/where%2Bdid%2Bi%2Bcome%2Bfrom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9c1sNfV6qI/AAAAAAAAA6I/0yHhbcX6pEE/s320/where%2Bdid%2Bi%2Bcome%2Bfrom.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464895706489023138" /></a>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-4403551807368013152010-04-23T13:38:00.000-05:002010-04-23T13:53:50.795-05:00Spring Break 2010 (part 2)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpizKuUxI/AAAAAAAAA54/29dEBOYgUW0/s1600/P1000752.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpizKuUxI/AAAAAAAAA54/29dEBOYgUW0/s320/P1000752.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404607037133586" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This was our view from the room, made us not want to leave the room. I'm glad I don't live nearby or I may just take this view for granted. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpieKSsKI/AAAAAAAAA5w/f8t9U-ur6Jw/s1600/P1000757.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpieKSsKI/AAAAAAAAA5w/f8t9U-ur6Jw/s320/P1000757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404601398177954" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Here is our family photo taken at our hotel room. Kids love to sit by the window with their binocular trying to zoom into the falls.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpiJM_K7I/AAAAAAAAA5o/nTbPeHqpYcw/s1600/P1000761.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpiJM_K7I/AAAAAAAAA5o/nTbPeHqpYcw/s320/P1000761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404595772337074" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Here's a photo of the kids with their Seh-Han-Ee-Poh (youngest grand aunt from Mom's side of the family). Somehow the kids just love to climb on the "telescope" I don't know what is their fascination about it.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9Hph6bR6LI/AAAAAAAAA5g/LoIbxNvrJ4U/s1600/P1000777.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9Hph6bR6LI/AAAAAAAAA5g/LoIbxNvrJ4U/s320/P1000777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404591805753522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The kids with their Uncle Josh, yes he is an Uncle to them. He is certainly very old. hahahaha</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpSyOEQ1I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/X_Z3eP_EOJ0/s1600/P1000791.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpSyOEQ1I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/X_Z3eP_EOJ0/s320/P1000791.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404331904811858" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Greg was scared of the glass view at CN Tower in Toronto. He had to hold dad's hand for awhile but after that.... hahaha.... he was having fun.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpSpc5msI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/Fze81_iwsb0/s1600/P1000802.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpSpc5msI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/Fze81_iwsb0/s320/P1000802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404329551108802" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">See the ground view, yes a very very long fall, 342 meters or 1,122 feet fall. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpSe-1kuI/AAAAAAAAA5I/YFfo8Dbc6uc/s1600/P1000807.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpSe-1kuI/AAAAAAAAA5I/YFfo8Dbc6uc/s320/P1000807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404326740660962" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Kids are pretending to be petrified. Yeah, like really petrified. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpRuwlwvI/AAAAAAAAA5A/FD4GcQ8pKwY/s1600/P1000808.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpRuwlwvI/AAAAAAAAA5A/FD4GcQ8pKwY/s320/P1000808.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404313796002546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Greg with his favorite binoculars, he is busy studying what's down below.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpRRlyAaI/AAAAAAAAA44/9f_mGgExAxU/s1600/P1000832.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S9HpRRlyAaI/AAAAAAAAA44/9f_mGgExAxU/s320/P1000832.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463404305966039458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">This cracks me up because Dad's shirt looks almost the same as the sky. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Whenever we visit Toronto, we would stay at Richmond Hills which is near all the chinese eateries. We had dimsum at one restaurant and then later we went back there for dinner because they had Peking duck there. sorry no photos of the food as we just chowed down the food before I realize I could take any photo.</span></div></div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-5015318202279075092010-04-21T09:53:00.000-05:002010-04-22T08:30:12.909-05:00Twitter Party Hosted By Chicago Moms Blog and Chevrolet<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">April 11th was an exhausting day for me, the whole week was exhausting as the kids were on spring break and I had guests from London. I was invited to a Twitter Party which was hosted by Chicago Moms Blog(</span></span><a href="http://www.svmoms.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">SV Moms group</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">) and Chevy. I just couldn't pass this invitation. It would be my first blogger's event. I was excited and yet nervous. You know little fish in a big ocean. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I said bye to my aunt and let hubby drive her to the airport while I drove downtown to the event. I didn't know what to expect except there were butterflies in my stomach. I was late for the roundtable discussion but managed to hear the end of it. The organizers and moderators, Jill Asher and Linsey Krolik, guided the conversation about how we bloggers and brands can work together in the new world of social media. Brands have realized how we bloggers can vocalize our opinions about their goods and services these days and our tiny voices can be heard by many in the world of internet. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">After the roundtable discussion, we got to meet the brands personally, it was an interesting to learn about the new products and I made some new friends. I found another blogher The goodies we brought home was AWESOME. I had a few extra that I "won" from turning the wheels. I love wheels!!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I've always heard of bloggers events/convention but coming to one was definitely an eye opener. Its one thing to read somebody's blog but to actually see a person and know they are fellow bloggers just like you is another thing. I'm grateful I've a friend who is big time blogger, she encourages me to blog, and to be in a room full of bloggers was certainly a good learning experience. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S88qzwFyAjI/AAAAAAAAA4w/rlr97zxoi9o/s1600/chimomsblog_event.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S88qzwFyAjI/AAAAAAAAA4w/rlr97zxoi9o/s320/chimomsblog_event.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462631941594546738" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">These are the goodies I brought home minus Garrett Popcorn that was devoured almost immediately. Thank you to the sponsors/brand :</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:150%"></p><ul><li><a href="http://ww30.1800baskets.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">1-800 Baskets</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.armyofwomen.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Army of Women</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/babies/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Babies</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.bitdefender.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">bitdefender</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.busybodybook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BusyBodyBook</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/chevrolet?v=app_11007063052#%21/chevrolet?v=app_11007063052"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Chevy Missions</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.cinnabon.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Cinnabon Cupcakes</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.easyprintdesign.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">easyprintdesign</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://chicago.ebayclassifieds.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ebay classifieds</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.energizer.com/products/hightech-batteries/rechargeables/Pages/rechargeable-battery-charger.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Energizer</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Garrett Popcorn Shops</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.hardrockhotelchicago.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Hard Rock Hotel</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.igo.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">iGo green</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://litl.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">litl</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.peapod.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Peapod</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.us.powerade.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Powerade Play</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.schlage.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Schlage</span></span></a></li><li><a href="http://www.stonyfield.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Stonyfield Organic</span></span></a></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; "><a href="http://oprahstore.oprah.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Oprah Store</span></span></a></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'd also like to thank Jill Asher and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Linsey Krolik</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> from</span></span><a href="http://www.svmomblog.typepad.com/silicon_valley_moms_group/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.svmomblog.typepad.com/silicon_valley_moms_group/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">SVMomsGroup</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://twitter.com/mjtam"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">MJ</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> for such a wonderful event.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 21px; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(80, 80, 80); "><em style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Disclosure: I was invited to the event by the SV Moms groups. We got goodies, food, and parking. </em></span></span></span></span></span></div><p></p> </div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3287044210321330571.post-68889396671568440042010-04-10T18:19:00.000-05:002010-04-10T23:06:28.910-05:00Spring Break 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FEHZ-xMfI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/j_PgxHoVDm8/s1600/P1000595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FEHZ-xMfI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/j_PgxHoVDm8/s320/P1000595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458719117373682162" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; ">The gorgeous photo was our sunrise view from our room for 2 mornings. It was a lovely sight. I've been to Niagara Falls for 5 times and this was our first experience waking up in Niagara Falls. We drove almost 8 hours from Chicago to Niagara with my aunt and cousin from London. We were lucky to have nice warm weather while we were in Niagara.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FEH8dNzDI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/TH1nMXcZcUE/s1600/P1000601.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FEH8dNzDI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/TH1nMXcZcUE/s320/P1000601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458719126628191282" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Daddy, Gilly, Greg &amp; Uncle J</span></div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We stayed in the hotel that was higher up from the Niagara Parkway Road, we didn't want to walk all the way down and took the shortcut via their "rail" which cost us a bit. (we noticed with our wallets, everything in Niagara cost something) but the view going down was spectacular... as the photo below shows)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FEIEm0lAI/AAAAAAAAA3g/X1SYFJGuTCw/s1600/P1000603.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FEIEm0lAI/AAAAAAAAA3g/X1SYFJGuTCw/s320/P1000603.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458719128815965186" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FHa4fa8bI/AAAAAAAAA3o/bzRMzMc9ICA/s1600/P1000609.JPG"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FHa4fa8bI/AAAAAAAAA3o/bzRMzMc9ICA/s1600/P1000609.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FHa4fa8bI/AAAAAAAAA3o/bzRMzMc9ICA/s320/P1000609.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458722750516097458" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gilly, Greg and Uncle J at the Falls.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It was the kids 2nd time to Niagara Falls but this round, they appreciated it more as they were much older (5 years older). The could understand how water erroding the soil and how the falls would move further in ... in future.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FIiHQdoVI/AAAAAAAAA3w/CrkKwXtjFVc/s320/P1000675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458723974250602834" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gilly right next to the Falls.</span></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Because we visited Niagara in April, we were unable to go on the "Maid of the Mist" ride. They start their rides only mid-May. That would give my aunt another reason to come back to Niagara in future. Especially Uncle J with his wife for their honeymoon... *wink* *wink*</div><div><br /></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FJicRZ4rI/AAAAAAAAA4A/cY9ovXfn2ac/s1600/P1000706.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FJicRZ4rI/AAAAAAAAA4A/cY9ovXfn2ac/s320/P1000706.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458725079403324082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FJh1zdW3I/AAAAAAAAA34/PSdd-BlmA5Y/s1600/P1000700.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FJh1zdW3I/AAAAAAAAA34/PSdd-BlmA5Y/s320/P1000700.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458725069077175154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Kids posing for mama... </span></div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FKKnp_kTI/AAAAAAAAA4I/Fu7MBg4z9i4/s1600/P1000743.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cByu-9S0OjE/S8FKKnp_kTI/AAAAAAAAA4I/Fu7MBg4z9i4/s320/P1000743.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458725769654014258" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nightview of the Falls... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">to be continued........</span></div>Geraldinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06503093867992912572noreply@blogger.com0